Page 27 of Almost Love

“The couple that invited me to their Christmas party introduced me to their group of friends.”

“And who are they?” He sipped on his coffee as a delay tactic, which Kristof clearly saw and narrowed his eyes. “Are they reallyfriendsor acquaintances?”

“Some are friends. I think.”

Clementine was certainly a friend. Everleigh could be considered a friend, right? She’d come by the other day full of beans and asked if he could design a couple of tattoos for her and Lachlan. While Oakley would always be terrified of her tattooed boyfriend, he had to admit that he was quite fond of the redhead spitfire.

At Kristof’s arched eyebrow, he sighed heavily. “There’s this woman. Clementine.”

“From San Clemente to Clementine, you’ve got a type, kid.”

Oakley chuckled, because it was only then that he made the connection. He wasn’t one for signs, but maybe that’s what this was. “She’s a baker. Makes the best donuts I’ve ever eaten. She’s really incredible.”

“Is she a fixation or something more?”

Every time Oakley found something new to focus on, Kristof asked him that question. It was a good question, because addicts were warned that they’d find something new to latch onto. But it had been years since he’d slipped and he honestly didn’t think of Clementine as an addiction. Tilting his head, he considered his response, because he didn’t want to sound like he was making excuses.

“Something more, I think. I like her. She keeps me on my toes and doesn’t take any shit. And she’s the most beautiful human I’ve ever seen.”

“The most beautiful?”

He smiled, scooping Gracie onto his lap. “There’s something about her, you know? I don’t know how else to explain it.”

“Are you in love with her?” Kristof asked, curiosity written on his face.

Now was when Oakley could lie, but there was no point. He didn’t know if it waslove, but it was something. He shrugged, like that was enough of an answer, but Kristof frowned at his non-response.

“No, but she makes me feel things.”

His therapist nodded slowly, leaning back in his chair. “When that changes, I want you to stop and think. And call me. I want you to be happy, kid, but not at the expense of something happening to you. Okay?”

“I’m good, Kris. I appreciate the check-in. Next week, same time?”

“Let’s do a longer session next week.”

After rounds ofbyes, which included Gracie attempting to lick Kristof’s face through the laptop screen, he sat back and closed his eyes. Clementine appeared in his mind again, but this time, she was sitting beside him, playing with Gracie while they enjoyed a quiet morning together. Maybe Kristof was right to be concerned, but she wasn’t a fixation. Clementine wasn’t replacing an addiction he’d long forgotten. She was just…Clementine.

Hours later, he walked into Pretty Baked and let his eyes scan over the bakery. It smelled delicious, but was silent and seemed empty. Even Luna wasn’t standing behind the counter. Until a tall, burly human with tattoos peeking out of every bit of exposed skin stepped out of the kitchen.

“Good morning. Can I help you with something?”

As a relatively tall person—standing at six foot three—he wasn’t often intimidated by other tall people. But this person? Could be classified as a giant. Add to that the layers of muscles that were straining against their clothes and Oakley was certain he could be knocked on ass with the flick of a finger.

“Looking for Clementine,” he said, voice shakier than he intended.

“Who are you?”

“Oakley West. I’ve been in here every day for donuts?”No more upward squeaking. Stay cool.

“She’s not here.”

He nodded, swallowing hard. “Right. Okay. I’ll uh…could you let her know I came by?”

“No.” It was a growl that startled him before Luna appeared with a bright smile.

“Oakley!”

“Hey Luna. How’s it going?”

---